Supper Club organiser Robb Parry and his wife, Linley. Photo / File
Supper Club organiser Robb Parry and his wife, Linley. Photo / File
For 10 years Supper Club has been the social event on the Rotorua calendar.
But organisers of the annual fundraiser have made the difficult decision to postpone next year's event as a result of the effects of Covid-19 on the business community.
Rob Parry, along with his wife Linley and a committee of volunteers, runs the event each year to raise money for the upkeep of the Ronald McDonald retreats on the shores of Lake Rotorua at Ngongotahā. The retreats are used as a haven for families with sick or terminally ill children.
Each year the event attracts hundreds of people who raise thousands of dollars - with last year's total topping $150,000.
Parry said during the past 10 years they had been hugely fortunate to have had such great support from a large number of businesses and a wide variety of people.
"Collectively they have helped created a tapestry of success and significant financial support for this programme. We would like to thank each and every one of you for your support to date.
"Without the likes of these people, including our McDonald's staff who volunteer on the night, we would not have been able to provide the many comforts provided for the Kiwi families who have stayed with us."
He said it wasn't the right time to ask those businesses and individuals to contribute more.
"The day jobs have become very challenging for a lot of people and we just think that asking for more is a step too far."
Parry said they were in a fortunate position to have a buffer in the bank which would see them through next year.
"We have been really successful in the last 10 years and part of the charity is you should hold two years' worth of reserves. We have at least that so we will be fine next year."
Supper Club involves 50 tables of eight being sold for $110 a seat. Each table goes in the draw to find out where in the city they will be hosted for dinner.
The night starts with drinks at the Novotel Rotorua, where an auction is held and the table draw is made. Ticket holders then head to their dinner destinations to enjoy their night, with all food and drink donated by the venues.
Auctioneer James Alexander at this year's Supper Club in March. Photo / File
The ticket sales are boosted with auction items, including a cruise donated by helloworld Travel Rotorua and a raffle for a new car donated by Nicholson United Autos.
Over the past 10 years, the retreats have hosted nearly 1000 families in their time of need.
The Smith family were just one of those who had been helped and they said: "The family retreat saved our family. We were in pieces and after a rejuvenating week, we feel strong enough to continue the battle together. Thank you Rotorua and all who support the family retreat. Nga mihi nui."
Parry said they planned to come back bigger and better in 2022.
"By then Rotorua will really look forward to those events."
